Sri Lanka to implement Right to Information Act from next month

All arrangements are in place for the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act from 4 February, Minister of Minister of Parliamentary Reform and Mass Media Gayantha Karunathilaka said.

Speaking at a function held for the announcement of work for the New Year, the Minister said that this service will be provided to every state establishment through the appointment of an Information Officer.

The Minister recalling that the Right to Information Bill was presented to Parliament and it was approved with the consent of all the 225 MPs, said initiatives necessary to implement the Bill were planned for several months last year and now the necessary background has been prepared for its implementation from next month.

The introduction of the Right to Information Act was a key pledge in the 100-day work program of the government. The government during the 19th Amendment to the Constitution recognised the Right to Information as a fundamental right.

Sri Lanka Parliament passed the Right to Information Act on 24 June 2016.

Under the RTI Act, ministries, departments, public corporations, local authorities, non-governmental organisations that are substantially funded by the Government, higher educational institutions, courts and tribunals etc. should provide access to information and shall maintain records.

Minister Karunathilake said his Ministry is vested with the task of implementing a historic Act after 4 February. Information Officers will be appointed to all state establishments so that the public could have access to information. As such the Minister said that he considers 2017 as a year in which the task of the Ministry is expanded.